PHS to receive funding from MHealthy Rivals Challenge

U-M employees can still register for the Rivals Challenge which runs May 2 – June 26 at http://therivalschallenge.org/ .  It is a free, eight-week physical activity challenge program where participants track their minutes as part of the U-M team in an effort to beat The Ohio State University team’s total minutes logged.

The Challenge is not only an opportunity to get moving, but it is also a chance to give back. Once you sign up for the program, you will have the opportunity to make an optional donation to Project Healthy Schools.  Currently in more than 60 middle schools across the State of Michigan, this University of Michigan-community collaboration is designed to reduce childhood obesity and its long-term health risks.  If every Rivals Challenge participant made a small donation, we could make a huge impact for a worthy cause.

PHS is a middle-school-based program that encourages students to develop healthy habits through education, environmental change and measurement.  It is one of the only school-based programs nationally that have demonstrated significant improvements in both health behavior and cardiovascular risk factors, such as reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, and blood pressure.  The program’s lessons focus on five healthy goals:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables,
• Choose less sugary food and beverages,
• Eat less fast and fatty food,
• Be active every day, and
• Spend less time in front of a screen.

PHS is primarily a grant and donor-funded program, with additional support from the health system. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished when the university and the community combine forces to tackle one of this nation’s most pressing health problems. 

Jean DuRussel-Weston, R.N., M.P.H., manager of Project Healthy Schools says, “PHS is all about the kids and making a difference in the health of Michigan’s youth.  We are so excited that Project Healthy Schools is the beneficiary of The Rivals Challenge.  I hope everyone who participates in the challenge chooses to support PHS.  Then each and every one of us can take pride, not only in helping U-M beat Ohio State, but also in making a difference in the current and future health of Michigan’s youth.”

Donations can be made when you log your Rivals Challenge minutes or directly to PHS by clicking on the ‘Donate Now’ button on the Project Healthy Schools website at: www.projecthealthyschools.org.

Website: http://therivalschallenge.org/